‘I Don’t Pick a Non-Boxer Opponent’- Manny Pacquiao Seems Disinterested to Face Conor McGregor in the Ring

Published 07/30/2021, 7:00 AM EDT

Boxing ace Manny Pacquiao spoke to The Schmo as he gears up for his boxing return against Errol Spence Jr. ‘Pacman’ returns after a two-year lay-off and is keen to build his status as an all-time great in his comeback. Despite his age, Manny Pacquiao proved that he has what it takes to make a mark in the sport.

While fielding questions on all things boxing, Manny Pacquiao was also asked about a potential bout against Conor McGregor. Chiefly, McGregor and Pacquiao are represented by the same management company and a boxing bout between them was on the cards. While it was a possibility in 2020, given McGregor’s recent form, Manny Pacquiao seems disinterested.

“For me, money will follow but my concern is the defence. How to make the fans happy in every fight. I don’t pick a non-boxer opponent. I want to pick the best so that we can claim that we are the best.”

Article continues below this ad

It seems like the allure of a big-money fight with McGregor isn’t on Pacquiao’s mind as he’s chasing legacy. McGregor is 0-1 as a pro boxer and it might not be fitting for ‘Pacman’ to go from Spence Jr. to McGregor in one fell swoop. Not to mention, Manny Pacquiao is in the final phase of his career and he’s looking to make every bout count.

UFC Changes the Venue for Fight Night Featuring Darren Till vs Derek Brunson

Article continues below this ad

Conor McGregor x Manny Pacquiao: Is it the fight to make?

From McGregor’s point of view, there’s very little debate as to whether McGregor vs Pacquiao is the fight to make. He’s already faced Floyd Mayweather and it would be a feather in his hat if he faced the Filipino senator next. Furthermore, Conor McGregor is still the biggest money fight in combat sports by a country mile.

However, as mentioned earlier, Pacquiao is looking to face only the very best boxers at this stage of his career. It is unclear if a massive payday to fight McGregor is enough incentive for him to reroute his trajectory. Time will be the best indicator as to whether this fight will go down in the future.

Article continues below this ad

Read this story: UFC Champions Who Never Successfully Defended Their Belts

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Darryl Pinto is a senior MMA writer at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Mass Media (with a specialization in Journalism) out of Xavier’s College and has a year's experience in his current role. Darryl specializes in predictions, reporting, and covering UFC events live.

‘I Don’t Pick a Non-Boxer Opponent’- Manny Pacquiao Seems Disinterested to Face Conor McGregor in the Ring

Conor McGregor x Manny Pacquiao: Is it the fight to make?

Trending

Heavyweight Boxer Fighting for His Life, Falls Into Coma After First-Round Knockout Loss

“Rest in Power”: Boxing World Joins Devin Haney in Mourning the Sad Demise of His Grandmother

Ryan Garcia Leaks His DMs With Bobbi Althoff in Recent Social Media Rampage

Willie Limond’s Cause of Death Revealed; Boxing World Mourns ‘Sad’ Demise of Former Champion

Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia: Mayweather Promotions CEO Lashes Out as Unsold Tickets Could “Cost the Fighters a Bunch of Money”